If a Prince solicits a vote at an election, he is to be punished with perpetual exclusion.

The annual election is to take place on the twenty third day of the Jewish month Adar.  The meetings of the Councils are termed Conventions.

Apartments used in this degree.—­There are two apartments, connected by a long, narrow passage.  The western represents the court of Zerubbabel, at Jerusalem.  The hangings are yellow.  Over the throne is a yellow canopy.  On a triangular pedestal, before the throne, are placed a naked sword, an arrow of justice, a balance, and a shield on which is an equilateral triangle, a sceptre, a chandelier of five branches, which are all lighted in the latter part of the ceremony of reception.  The eastern apartment represents the cabinet of Darius.  It is hung with red; the canopy is red.  Before the throne is a small square pedestal, and in it a drawn sword, a sceptre, paper, pens, etc.  The chief Minister of State sits near Darius.

Officers of the grand council.—­The first officer is styled “Most Equitable Prince,” and is on the throne.  The Senior Warden and Junior Warden are styled “Most Enlightened;” seated in the West.  The other officers and the members are styled “Valiant Princes.”

Dress.—­The “Most Equitable” wears a yellow robe and turban.  The apron is red; on it are painted the temple, a square, a buckler, a triangle, and a hand; the flap is yellow; on it a balance, and the letters D. Z. [Darius and Zerubbabel.] Gloves are red.  Sash is yellow, edged with gold, embroidered by a balance, a hand, a poniard, five stars, and two crowns, it is worn from right to left.

Jewel.—­A golden medal; on one side a hand holding a balance in equilibris; on the other a two-edged sword, with five stars around the point, and the letters D. Z.

Alarm.—­The alarm is three and two (!!! !!).

Opening.—­The “Most Equitable” strikes one, and says, “Valiant Grand Master of Ceremonies, what is the first business of a Grand Council of the Princes of Jerusalem?” Grand Master of Ceremonies.  “To see that the guards are at their proper stations.”  M. E.  “Attend to that duty, and inform,” etc.  G. M. C.—­“It is done, Most Equitable.”  Most Equitable strikes two; the Junior Warden rises.  M. E.—­“Valiant Junior Warden, what is our next business?” J. W.—­“To see that all present are Princes of Jerusalem.”  M. E.—­“Attend to that duty.”  J. W.—­“We are all Princes of Jerusalem.”  Most Equitable (striking thrice).—­“Valiant Senior Warden, what is the hour?” Senior Warden.—­“The rising of the sun.”  M. E.—­“What duty remains to be done?” S. W.—­“To arrange the Princes in two columns, for the proper discharge of their duties.”  M. E.—­“Attend to that duty.”  S. W.—­“Most Equitable, it is done.”  M. E.—­“Valiant Junior and Senior Wardens, inform your respective columns that I am about to open this Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, by three and two.” (That is done.) M. E.—­“Attention, Valiant Princes! (The signs are given; the Most Equitable strikes three and two; this is repeated by the Wardens.) I declare this Grand Council duly opened and in order for business.”